Spank You Very Much, Gordy—Some argue that Gordy Andersen helped launch Albuquerque's independent music scene as we know it. Way back in 1978, he and some friends gave Albuquerque a nascent taste of hardcore punk, in the form of a little band called Jerry's Kidz. Nearly 30 years later, Gordy's still blowing out eardrums across the Duke City in your favorite band (for the second year running, according to our Best of Burque poll), Black Maria.

Björk meets Slayer

By Simon McCormack

One review described metal/industrial/punk duo/quartet Vertigo Venus as "What Nine Inch Nails would sound like if Trent Reznor had a sense of humor." It's appropriate to use the "don't judge a book by its cover" adage when discussing the band but, frankly, just based on looks, I don't think anyone could tell what the hell they sound like. Even after giving the band a listen I'm not so sure. It's a highly volatile mix of synthesizer, B52-ish vocals and ’80s metal guitar. The band's music is written by brothers Chris and Jeffie Cannon, who are joined on stage by a drummer and bassist to fill out the live sound. The brothers spoke with the Alibi and provided some insight into what makes their eccentric ensemble tick.

Drummer looks to leave a good-time sonic residue behind

By Mel Minter

Good drummers keep time and move things forward. Great drummers also sculpt sonic space, expanding and contracting it, shaping it to the musical purpose at hand. Matt Wilson belongs to the latter category.

Ozomatli never fails to surprise by chopping up surprising roots and throwing them in the stew pot. This band is more than "eclectic," the most inaccurately used word in music vocab. Ozomatli fears no stew. Not punk rock hash, not hip-hop ragoût, not classic rock brew, not Middle Eastern soup. There's something in that Latin broth that ties it all together, making each slurp unmistakably Ozo. But these old hands could've let this one simmer a little longer, relying less on their clean, practiced skills and more on the vigorous bubble and pop found on Embrace the Chaos.

Yule Logs and Jingle Balls • Holly Rebelle • Mena Domina • burlesque

By Devin D. O'Leary

Gilded Cage Burlesk and Varieté is definitely getting on Santa's Naughty list with Yule Logs and Jingle Balls: A Very Risqué, Very Glittery, Very Burlesque Ode to the Holidays. Burlesque dancers, sideshow performers, drag acts and more join forces to celebrate this most sparkly of holidays in grand style…